qualified elector; licensed to practice law in state; 5 yrs practice of law; less than 70 yrs of age

Court of Appeals:

qualified elector of district; licesed to practice law in state; 5 yrs practice of law; less than 70 yrs of age

Circuit Court:

qualified elector of circuit; licensed to practice law in state; 5 yrs practice of law; less than 70 yrs of age

Selection and retention methods and term lengths are prescribed by Article VI of the Michigan Constitution.

*Candidates for open seats on the supreme court or who want to challenge incumbent justices must be nominated at party conventions or by nominating petition. Incumbent justices may file an affidavit of candidacy, asking to be placed on the ballot. Candidates for other courts are nominated in nonpartisan primary elections or by nominating petition. Incumbent judges may file an affidavit of candidacy. Candidates appear without party affiliation on the general election ballot, with incumbent judges designated as such.